BRANDON, South Dakota (CNN) - Sen. Hillary Clinton said Friday that she regretted comments that evoked the June 1968 assassination of Robert Kennedy as part of her explanation for why she was staying in the presidential race late into the primary season.

Earlier Friday afternoon, she told the editorial board of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader that "My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don't understand it," she said.

Clinton complained that "people have been trying to push me out of this ever since Iowa" and said that position "historically ... makes no sense."

Later at an event in Brandon, South Dakota, she said, "earlier today, I was discussing the Democratic primary history and in the course of that discussion mentioned the campaigns that both my husband and Sen. Kennedy waged in California in June in 1992 and 1968, and I was referencing those to make the point that we have had nominating primary contests that go into June. That's an historic fact.

Update: During an interview with Radio Isla Puerto Rico on Saturday, Barack Obama reacted to the Clinton RFK comment.

According to a quote released by the campaign, he said, “I have learned that when you are campaigning for as many months as Senator Clinton and I have been campaigning, sometimes you get careless in terms of the statements that you make and I think that is what happened here. Senator Clinton says that she did not intend any offense by it and I will take her at her word on that.”

soundoff(937 Responses)

blgeorgia

Hillary is a monster, just as Samantha Powers said.

May 23, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |

Kim, Sacramento, CA

How can anyone still possibly be supporting this woman? How can people not see that she will do and/or say ANYTHING to get elected. Not only has she lost the Democratic nomination for President and done her best to tear up the Democratic party but now she is belittling herself and my guess is that her political career is teetering on it's last leg if she doesn't step back at this point.

It's sad really.

May 23, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |

Freudian slip

Hillary just revealed her deep hidden hope for becoming president...and act of "God" her miracle....WELL this is over the top.
This is why she wants to be VP Hillary go away and stay away...
I wonder how Sen.Kennedy perceives her statement of reason to stay in the campaign...I feel sick...

May 23, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |

Veterans for Obama

I will give her the benefit of the doubt. BUT, if she meant what it sounded like, she is a disgusting human being!

May 23, 2008 05:30 pm at 5:30 pm |

Chuckiebee

If she's the VP on the ticket, Obama better hire a full-time food taster!

After reading the above blogs......I finally have the guts to say what I have been trying not to think about........Is this wishful thinking on Hillary's part.....is that why she hanging in .....hoping for something to happen..........She is evil and despicable.

May 23, 2008 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |

DeniseGA

@ Former Obama supporter:

This has nothing to do with Obama. It is not funny or a game! Hillary Clinton is very calculated! She meant to say that, and meant the news to pick it up!

May 23, 2008 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |

Really

When Obama made his bitter and clinging to guns and religion comments about millions of hard working Americans,- where were the outraged Obama supporters?! They are always outraged by anything Clinton does but Obama apparently can do no wrong. If he makes a speech to rich donors and insults millions of Americans about their religion that is ok. But, if Clinton makes a statement citing a historical event, she is demonized. (even when she immediately apologized for the historical reference).
The Obama people have no shame. They also have no sense of history.

Hillary all the way to Denver! If she is not the nominee, I'm writing her name in.

May 23, 2008 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |

Tex

What an idiot!

May 23, 2008 05:31 pm at 5:31 pm |

Josh, CA

This is despicable! The woman would kill Obama on the inauguration day if she is the VP.

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Deborah

Has Hillary lost her mind or what? She also needs to apologize to Senator Obama for that remark. Is she implying ill fate towards the Senator. I have truly lost all respect for the woman. She's definitely lost her mind. She has a lot of explaining to do.

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

LLJ

This is beyond desperation! She is advocating a criminal act, and then says, "opps, did I say that"? That is not what I meant.

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

s.positive

GOD WILL JUDGE...

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Uchenna in MD

I hope she is not suggesting she could possibly get Barack Obama dead in order to clinch the nomination?

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Jordan Fitzpatrick

Even using her rational, and setting aside the obvious implications of bringing RFK into her argument- her premise is flawed. In 1968 the first primary was held in MARCH- this cycle, it was held in JANUARY- by her logic, she should have dropped out in April. It's apples and oranges.

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Snafu

Hussien BAMA,,,like you know the history of America. Stupid comment by an idiot person. Billary made this vile remark and you say Obama does not know the history. Stupid is as stupid does...I see you are Hillary supporter , racist!

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Charlotte

The Hillary Clinton supporters have become our shame of "defenders of the indefensible". Is this campaign worth abandoning your conscience folks? Shame on you!

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Rena

Former Obama Supporter-

We know you are a Republician so please go entertain your own kind.

May 23, 2008 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

Martin (Bolivia)

She sees bullets everywhere.

What's she on?

Or is she desperate to make the headlines, now that the Press is losing interest in her?

May 23, 2008 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |

Melissa

I think the mystery of why she is still staying in has been solved. I doubt she is HOPING anything will happen to him, but if it does – hey – instant nomination. It's pretty much her last best chance at this point. I feel really bad, I used to be thrilled when I thought of her being my president. Now, I don't even trust her to be VP. This is all beneath her dignity.